Elk Hill Equestrian Campground

Located in the northern lower peninsula with 60+ miles of trails to explore, gorgeous country and the excitement of possibly seeing elk, the Elk Hill campground in Pigeon River Country is one of Michigan’s most sought after riding destinations. This peaceful, wooded equestrian campground is located along a bluff overlooking the majestic Pigeon River. It is shaded by hardwoods within the Pigeon River Country State Forest. There are 11 sites, six of which will accommodate a 40-ft vehicle. Sites 4 and 11 are “buddy” sites, allowing two camping units on one of the sites, when both are rented. Only one camping unit is allowed on all other sites. Each site has a fire ring, picnic table and picket posts. Campground amenities include vault toilets, water from a hand-pump well, an accessible mounting block and manure bunkers. The campground is located 14 miles east of Vanderbilt via East Sturgeon Valley Road, Witness Tree Road and Twin Lakes Road. All 11 sites can be reserved through the DNR website (on-line or by phone). Reservations must be made at least 72 hours in advance. This area is very remote, you won’t get cell service, so make sure any maps, apps, etc. are uploaded prior to arriving at camp. Beware of GPS driving directions taking you down small two tracks, stick to the main roads in the area.

Group Camp

Another option for camping at Elk Hill is the group camp. This peaceful, wooded group campground has a maximum capacity for 100 individuals and can accommodate up to 5 different equestrian groups at one time. This campground is intended for those group camping with horses. The group rate is $6 per person with a minimum of 10 people. Amenities include vault toilets, firepits, a water pump that requires a 5000 watt generator, picket posts and manure bunkers. There is also a large group fire circle and gorgeous pavilion available in group camp.

Dispersed Camping
There are a few popular dispersed camping options at Hardwood Lake (use Sturgeon Valley to Tin Shanty), Witness Tree (on Sturgeon Valley), Duby Lake, Oxbow Creek available also. Be sure to have your permit on your dashboard if you camp at these.

Reservations Required for Group Camp
Group reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance by calling Otsego Lake State Park at 989-732-5485. This group camp can hold up to 50 trailers. Please have dates, payment information and the number of people staying each night prior to calling. If a group is planning a ride that will use multiple campgrounds along the Shore-to-Shore Trail, they should contact the Cadillac Operations Service Center at 231-775-9727 x. 6006.

Shore-to-Shore Trail
This state forest campground is a stop along the Shore-to-Shore Trail, a 420-mile trail system open to hiking and horseback riding, that stretches east-west from Empire to Oscoda with two additional northern and southern spur trails. The Michigan Trail Riders Association assists with maintenance of the trail.

Ride on designated trails only
The DNR, PRC Equestrian Council and the PRC Advisory Council are working together to provide increased equestrian access within the Pigeon River Country State Forest. The goal is to provide safe trail riding that protects the environment while enhancing trail experiences. Illegal riding sets those efforts back. Please take the time to plan your rides using only trails open to equestrian use. Maps outlining those trails are available from the PRC Headquarters and posted in the campground. Pigeon River Country Equestrian Trail Maps are available at the campground or from the PRC Headquarters on Twin Lakes Road. They are also linked below and work with your mapping apps.

Volunteers

This campground is maintained with the help of Backcountry Horsemen – Pigeon River. Thank you for all of their hard work and advocacy over the years in this area.